Apple Makes $US356 Million Security Play With AuthenTec Acquisition

Reuters is reporting that Apple has bought AuthenTec — a company which makes security hardware like finger print sensors — for $US356 million.

Authentec’s currently supplies hardware for the likes of Cisco, Fujitsu, HBO, HP, Lenovo, LG, Motorola, Nokia, Orange, Samsung, Sky, and Texas Instruments. Reuters reports that is going to pay $US8 a share, making the total purchase price $US356 million.

There aren’t many more details at present, but the move perhaps signals that Apple is getting serious about security. Authentec does supply security for Samsung’s Android devices, so there’s a vague chance that the purchase is a defensive move. But more likely, it’s something of an enterprise play, since biometric scanners are all the rage. It would be rather interesting to see how Jony Ive would make one look good on a MacBook Air. [Reuters]